Updated 12:37 pm, Thursday, January 26, 2017

Mayor Ed Lee said Wednesday that San Francisco will not allow its immigrant residents “to live in fear” and affirmed the city’s 27-year-old sanctuary city policy, one hour after President Trump announced a crackdown on immigrants living in the country without permission and promising to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities.

“I am here today to say we are still a sanctuary city,” Lee said Wednesday at a City Hall news conference after Trump signed executive orders at the White House. “We stand by our sanctuary city because we want everybody to feel safe and utilize the services they deserve, including education and health care. ... It is my obligation to keep our city united, keep it strong ... crime doesn’t know documentation. Disease doesn’t know documentation.”

San Francisco’s sanctuary policy is among the most expansive in the country, limiting local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration agents in all but the most extreme circumstances. While Trump has singled out the city for criticism, all of the counties and bigger cities in the Bay Area offer some protection to immigrants in the country without authorization. Legal experts said they expected lawsuits from cities challenging Trump’s order.

Mayor Ed Lee during a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. Lee addressed members of the news media following President Donald Trump's executive order targeting sanctuary cities. less

Mayor Ed Lee during a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. Lee addressed members of the news media following President Donald Trump's executive order targeting ... more

San Francisco, CaliforniaMayor Ed Lee rebuked the president's executive order during a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 25, stating: "I am here today to say we are still a sanctuary city. We stand by our sanctuary city because we want everybody to feel safe and utilize the services they deserve, including education and health care." less

San Francisco, California
Mayor Ed Lee rebuked the president's executive order during a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 25, stating: "I am here today to say we are still a sanctuary city. We stand by our ... more

Oakland, CaliforniaMayor Libby Schaaf expressed concern over the order, acknowledging the city's need for government funding. She states: "the Bay Area stands united against this White House’s morally bankrupt policies that would divide families, turn our nation’s back on refugees in need, and potentially thwart the efforts of nearly one million productive young people who are on a legal path to citizenship. Oaklanders rely on $130 million in federal funding for everything from early education programs like Head Start to getting officers out of their cars and onto our streets at a time when community policing is so desperately needed. We will not allow this president to play politics with our safety and security." less

Oakland, California
Mayor Libby Schaaf expressed concern over the order, acknowledging the city's need for government funding. She states: "the Bay Area stands united against this White House’s morally ... more

San Jose, CaliforniaMayor Sam Liccardo also rebuffed the executive order, highlighting its potential impact on the police force's day-to-day operations. He said "nothing about the President’s Executive Order will change how San Jose cops police our city. The San Jose Police Department’s longstanding policies relating to immigration enforcement are critical to keeping our community safe. Our police officers must focus their scarce time responding to and investigating violent, predatory and other high-priority crimes – not the enforcement of federal tax laws, federal securities laws, or federal immigration laws." less

San Jose, California
Mayor Sam Liccardo also rebuffed the executive order, highlighting its potential impact on the police force's day-to-day operations. He said "nothing about the President’s Executive Order ... more

Berkeley, CaliforniaMayor Jesse Arreguin took it a step further, saying he would be willing to lose government funding over the city's sanctuary status. "Our values of human rights, equity, and inclusion have come under attack by the Trump Administration," Arreguin said. In just two days, Trump has pushed a divisive wall, stripped our citizens of civil liberties, and cut funding to cities that have the courage to stand up for all people – whether or not they are legal citizens. We will not be intimidated by threats to cut funding to cities that believe in the fundamental notion that no person is illegal. No amount of federal funding is worth betraying our values." less

Berkeley, California
Mayor Jesse Arreguin took it a step further, saying he would be willing to lose government funding over the city's sanctuary status. "Our values of human rights, equity, and inclusion have ... more

Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaA spokesperson for Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement: "Given that today’s (executive order) was simply a directive and did not even make clear if there were any significant funding streams that the Trump administration could cut off to Philadelphia, we have no plans to change our immigration policy at this time.” less

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A spokesperson for Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement: "Given that today’s (executive order) was simply a directive and did not even make clear if there were any ... more

Photo: Jose Fuste Raga, Getty Images

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Chicago, IllinoisMayor Rahm Emmanuel stated that Chicago will remain a sanctuary city. “We’re going to stay a sanctuary city,” Emanuel said. “We welcome people, whether you’re from Poland or Pakistan, whether you’re from Ireland or India or Israel, and whether you’re from Mexico or Moldova, where my grandfather came from, you are welcome in Chicago as you pursue the American Dream.” less

District of ColumbiaMayor Mariel Bowser made it clear that Washington D.C. plans on remaining a sanctuary city. “Our city and our values did not change on Election Day,” Bowser said. “Being a sanctuary city means we are not an agent of the federal government . . . . It means that our police can focus on serving D.C. residents — protecting and serving them — no matter their immigration status.” less

District of Columbia
Mayor Mariel Bowser made it clear that Washington D.C. plans on remaining a sanctuary city. “Our city and our values did not change on Election Day,” Bowser said. “Being a sanctuary ... more

Image 11 of 26

Boston, MassachusettsMayor Marty Walsh took a strong stance on the president's executive order, stating that he was "angered" by Trump's move. “We will fight for our residents, whether immigrant or not, and provide the best quality of life for all Bostonians,” Walsh said. “I will use all of my power within lawful means to protect all Boston residents — even if that means using City Hall itself as a last resort.” less

Boston, Massachusetts
Mayor Marty Walsh took a strong stance on the president's executive order, stating that he was "angered" by Trump's move. “We will fight for our residents, whether immigrant or not, and ... more

Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images

Image 12 of 26

Newark, New JerseyMayor Ras Barake stated his intentions to defy the order. "Newark will continue to protect undocumented immigrants despite whatever executive order is issued," Baraka said. "Newark has a policy of protecting undocumented immigrants from deportation by U.S. immigration authorities. We see no reason to change that policy," less

Newark, New Jersey
Mayor Ras Barake stated his intentions to defy the order. "Newark will continue to protect undocumented immigrants despite whatever executive order is issued," Baraka said. "Newark has a ... more

Jersey City, New JerseyLike Barake, Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop plans to go against the executive order. "We intend to stand by our principles and values as a city," Fulop said. "Jersey City was founded as a city of immigrants, and we are unwilling to be part of orders that break families apart or harm immigrants who are in this country." less

Jersey City, New Jersey
Like Barake, Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop plans to go against the executive order. "We intend to stand by our principles and values as a city," Fulop said. "Jersey City was founded as a ... more

Providence, Rhode IslandMayor Jorge Elorza condemned the order, but did not specify how Providence would proceed: “The idea of local control is deeply embedded in American history, and what we have now is a very aggressive attempt by the federal government to commandeer our local police departments to become immigration agents.” less

Providence, Rhode Island
Mayor Jorge Elorza condemned the order, but did not specify how Providence would proceed: “The idea of local control is deeply embedded in American history, and what we have now is a ... more

Photo: Scott Eisen/Getty Images For Open Road Films

Image 15 of 26

Lawrence, MassachusettsLike Elorza, Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera did not mention how his city would interact with the new order. “There’s so many other things to worry about." Rivera said. "Nobody in a red state is going to get a job or have their life become better because he victimizes these immigrants.” less

Lawrence, Massachusetts
Like Elorza, Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera did not mention how his city would interact with the new order. “There’s so many other things to worry about." Rivera said. "Nobody in a red ... more

Photo: Winslow Townson, Associated Press

Image 16 of 26

Northampton, MassachusettsMayor David Narkewicz was skeptical that Trump's order would turn into concrete legislation. He stated: “It’s very easy to campaign, that the king is going to wave his scepter and somehow take away federal funding, but this isn’t the campaign anymore. This is a president who functions in a larger government. We’re a government of laws." less

Northampton, Massachusetts
Mayor David Narkewicz was skeptical that Trump's order would turn into concrete legislation. He stated: “It’s very easy to campaign, that the king is going to wave his scepter and ... more

Photo: John Greim/LightRocket Via Getty Images

Image 17 of 26

President Donald Trump signs an executive order for border security and immigration enforcement improvements, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, at the Homeland Security Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) less

President Donald Trump signs an executive order for border security and immigration enforcement improvements, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, at the Homeland Security Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo ... more

Mayor Ed Lee during a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. Lee addressed members of the news media following President Donald Trump's executive order targeting sanctuary cities. less

Mayor Ed Lee during a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. Lee addressed members of the news media following President Donald Trump's executive order targeting ... more

In this Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 photo, a sanctuary restaurant sign is shown inside Russell Street Deli in Detroit. Dozens of restaurants are seeking �sanctuary� status, a designation owners hope will help protect employees in an immigrant-heavy industry and tone down fiery rhetoric sparked by the presidential campaign. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) less

In this Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 photo, a sanctuary restaurant sign is shown inside Russell Street Deli in Detroit. Dozens of restaurants are seeking �sanctuary� status, a designation owners hope will help ... more

Mayor Ed Lee during a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. Lee addressed members of the news media following President Donald Trump's executive order targeting sanctuary cities. less

Mayor Ed Lee during a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. Lee addressed members of the news media following President Donald Trump's executive order targeting ... more

Daniel Maher, recycling director at the Ecology Center, speaks on the phone while looking out his office window on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. Maher, who immigrated from Macau as a toddler, is fighting to remain in the United States. less

Daniel Maher, recycling director at the Ecology Center, speaks on the phone while looking out his office window on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. Maher, who immigrated from Macau as a toddler, is ... more

Center: Claudia Carrillo checks on her customers at El Tomate restaurant on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. Carrillo is an undocumented woman from Guatemala. She moved to San Francisco seven years ago seeking a better life for herself. She is unsure of her future with Donald Trump as president. less

Center: Claudia Carrillo checks on her customers at El Tomate restaurant on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. Carrillo is an undocumented woman from Guatemala. She moved to San Francisco seven ... more

Daniel Maher, recycling director at the Ecology Center, poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. Maher, who immigrated from Macau as a toddler, is fighting to remain in the United States. less

Daniel Maher, recycling director at the Ecology Center, poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. Maher, who immigrated from Macau as a toddler, is fighting to remain in the United ... more

Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle

Image 24 of 26

Daniel Maher, recycling director at the Ecology Center, works in his office on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. Maher, who immigrated from Macau as a toddler, is fighting to remain in the United States. less

Daniel Maher, recycling director at the Ecology Center, works in his office on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. Maher, who immigrated from Macau as a toddler, is fighting to remain in the United ... more

From left: Claudia Carrillo attends to Santos, a customer, at El Tomate restaurant on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. Carrillo is an undocumented woman from Guatemala. She moved to San Francisco seven years ago seeking a better life for herself. She is unsure of her future with Donald Trump as president. Santos, from El Salvador, opposes Donald Trump as president. "His campaign was racist and sexist. Now he's discriminating against everyone. It looks like it's working. How is this working?" Santos said in Spanish. less

From left: Claudia Carrillo attends to Santos, a customer, at El Tomate restaurant on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. Carrillo is an undocumented woman from Guatemala. She moved to San ... more

ALSO

Trump’s executive order blocks all “federal grants, except as deemed necessary for law enforcement,” to sanctuary cities. The order does not elaborate on what that means. It also revives the Secure Communities program, which asked local law enforcement to hold immigrants without legal status behind bars until federal authorities could pick them up for deportation. That program ended in 2014, and a federal judge ruled it unconstitutional.

“We are going to get the bad ones out, the criminals and drug dealers and gangsters and gang leaders,” Trump said Wednesday. “The day is over when they can stay in our country and wreak havoc.”

Lee called Trump’s order “vague” and said it was too soon to say how much money the city stood to lose. San Francisco receives about $1 billion — a little over one-tenth of the city’s $9.6 billion budget — from the federal government. In what may be a best-case scenario, Lee said the city could lose money “in specific federal grants” from the Department of Homeland Security, which he estimated to be around $10 million. Most of that money goes toward the city’s emergency preparedness program.

City Attorney Dennis Herrera said in a statement Wednesday that efforts to cut funding to sanctuary cities would be challenged in court. “This executive order tries to turn cities and states into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That’s against the law. Cities cannot be coerced into becoming the deportation arm of the federal government,” Herrera said.

Constitutional law Professor Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Irvine School of Law, said he believed cities would have a strong legal argument because of U.S. Supreme Court decisions that, somewhat ironically, angered many Democrats.

In 1997, the court overturned the provision of the Brady gun control law requiring states to do background checks on prospective handgun buyers because the justices said it violated the principle of state sovereignty. And in 2012, the court invalidated a provision of the Affordable Care Act threatening states with loss of Medicaid funding if they refused to expand the program.

“The bottom line is the federal government can’t coerce state and local governments to administer a federal program,” Chemerinsky said.

San Francisco officials formed a united front in defense of the sanctuary city status right after the November election, although some immigrant-rights advocates said Lee should do more. Lee set aside $3 million annually to boost services for immigrants facing deportation but refused to allocate money to fund the public defender’s defense of those immigrants.

On Wednesday, around 100 people stood on the steps of City Hall chanting “No papers, no fear. Dignity is standing here,” in English and Spanish.

About 44,000 people who are undocumented live in San Francisco, according to estimates using 2014 census data. San Francisco is one of about 300 sanctuary cities nationwide, including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, in addition to Oakland, Berkeley and San Jose in the Bay Area.

In Berkeley on Wednesday, Daniel Maher, 42, worried about his future. He moved to the United States from Macau when he was 3 years old. In 1994, he committed an armed robbery and was convicted of kidnapping, robbery and firearms offenses. He served five years in state prison and was stripped of his green card.

He was released and said he was ordered to check in with Homeland Security on a regular basis. Over the next 14 years, Maher put his life together. He now operates the recycling program at Ecology Center, a nonprofit environmental organization in Berkeley. He has a 7-year-old son and plans to marry his girlfriend this year.

“I am scared,” Maher said. “My family is scared, but what can we do?”

Around the Bay Area, officials were trying to assess the impact of Trump’s order.

“This is really, really disturbing to us,” said Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan. “We were, of course, hoping for the best, but we’ve been expecting the worst, and now here we are.”

The Alameda County’s Sheriff’s Office only turns prisoners over to federal immigration officials if special court orders are involved.

Chan said Alameda County has about 105,000 “undocumented people” who are adults, plus “a lot of unaccompanied minors — 9,000 or so.” That is one of the largest such county populations in the state, along with those of San Francisco and Los Angeles, she said.

She said her board was going to hold an open public forum Thursday with its federal lobbyist to discuss how to react to the president’s order, but she said she believed at the very least the funding-cut mandate will be less severe than some fear.

“It’s not like Trump can just do this,” she said. “Some of the federal money we get is from legislative action, and anything by statute can’t just be cut. We get grants for policing, streets, housing and more that falls under that category, and I’m not sure how broadly he’s talking.

In Marin County, Sheriff Robert Doyle said he would assess the president’s order, “but I have always cooperated to the extent that I can legally with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and will continue to do that.”

The main concern he has right now, he said, is what provisions might have to be made if his jail suddenly begins to fill up with immigrants marked for deportation or other action under the president’s new policies.

“The thing the president has to understand is: Where is he going to put everyone he judges to be illegal?” Doyle said. “Every jail I know of in California is overcrowded. Where is he going to put all these millions of people?”

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf issued a joint statement with the mayors of San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose, all promising to fight Trump’s order. She noted that Oakland receives $130 million a year in federal funding for programs such as Head Start, which serves disadvantaged children, and said “how cutting that makes America safer is beyond me.”

Oakland and Alameda County are both creating emergency funds to create “a rapid response deportation defense service,” Schaaf said, and with San Francisco Foundation matching funds expects to have at least $1.5 million on hand.

Bay Area cities and counties that offer any form of sanctuary-style protections for immigrants who have no official residency authorization, from resisting many forms of inquiry by federal officials to cooperating only with court-ordered holds:

Cities:San Francisco (which is a city and a county), Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, San Jose, Concord, Novato, San Rafael, Alameda

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